Red Leicester cheese is a vibrant, orange-hued cheese with a rich, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor.
Aged longer than Cheddar, it develops a deeper taste while maintaining a smooth, creamy texture that melts beautifully.
Its distinctive color comes from annatto, a natural dye that gives it an eye-catching appeal in dishes like cheese sauces, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and sandwiches.
But if Red Leicester isn’t available, don’t worry! There are plenty of cheeses that can replicate its creamy texture, nutty sharpness, and excellent meltability.
Some substitutes lean toward Cheddar’s bold depth, while others offer a milder, buttery richness that still works well in recipes.
We’ve tested different cheeses in melted, grated, and sliced applications to find the best replacements for Red Leicester cheese. Whether you need a close flavor match, a great melting alternative, or a color-matching option, these six substitutes will keep your dish on track.
6 Substitutes for Red Leicester Cheese
Each substitute brings something different. Some offer a rich, tangy bite, while others provide a smooth, buttery texture with excellent melting properties.
1. Aged Cheddar – The Best Overall Substitute
Aged Cheddar is the closest match to Red Leicester in terms of flavor and texture, offering a nutty, tangy bite with a firm yet creamy consistency.
Since Red Leicester is essentially an aged, colored Cheddar, this swap works in almost any dish. The biggest difference is Cheddar’s lack of the deep orange hue, but this can be fixed by using an annatto-colored Cheddar or adding a pinch of paprika for color.
Best for: Grated over pasta, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Replace Red Leicester with aged Cheddar in equal amounts. If you need more color, opt for an orange-colored variety.
For more bold cheese alternatives, check out these Cheddar cheese substitutes.
2. Double Gloucester – A Buttery, Color-Matching Alternative
Double Gloucester is one of the best substitutes for Red Leicester, offering a similar orange color and a slightly milder, buttery taste.
While it’s less tangy than Red Leicester, Double Gloucester melts beautifully and works well in grilled cheese, pasta bakes, and cheese sauces. If you want a milder, creamier version of Red Leicester, this is an excellent option.
Best for: Cheese boards, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and baked dishes.
How to use: Use Double Gloucester in equal portions as a Red Leicester substitute. If you need a stronger flavor, blend it with a small amount of Aged Cheddar.
3. Colby – A Mild and Creamy Option
Colby cheese is a great alternative if you need a milder, slightly sweeter version of Red Leicester.
It has a semi-soft, smooth texture that melts well, making it perfect for cheese sauces, sandwiches, and melting applications. While it lacks Red Leicester’s sharp tang, Colby is buttery and slightly nutty, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less intense cheese.
Best for: Grilled cheese, pasta dishes, burgers, and nachos.
How to use: Swap Red Leicester for Colby in equal amounts. If you want a sharper bite, mix it with a little Aged Cheddar.
For more creamy cheese alternatives, check out these Colby cheese substitutes.
4. Mimolette – A Nutty, French Alternative
Mimolette is a great substitute if you need a firmer cheese with a more complex, nutty depth.
Aged Mimolette has a similar orange hue and crumbly texture, making it perfect for grating over pasta, soups, and baked dishes. It has a slightly stronger, caramelized taste compared to Red Leicester, but it melts well when used in small amounts.
Best for: Cheese boards, grating over pasta, and adding depth to cheese sauces.
How to use: Replace Red Leicester with Mimolette in equal portions, but if it’s too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
For more nutty cheese alternatives, check out these Mimolette cheese substitutes.
5. Red Cheshire – A Crumbly, Colorful Substitute
Red Cheshire is another fantastic replacement for Red Leicester, especially if you want a crumbly, tangy cheese with a rich color.
It has a slightly drier texture but delivers a mild, nutty taste with a hint of sharpness, making it great for grating, crumbling, or melting. If you enjoy a firmer cheese with a bit more texture, Red Cheshire is a great choice.
Best for: Cheese boards, salads, and grated toppings.
How to use: Use Red Cheshire in equal amounts as a Red Leicester substitute. If you need a smoother texture, blend it with a small amount of Monterey Jack.
For more crumbly cheese options, check out these Cheshire cheese substitutes.
6. Leicester-Style Cheese – The Closest Artisan Alternative
If you’re looking for a near-identical match to Red Leicester, try Leicester-style cheeses produced by artisanal cheesemakers.
Some creameries produce cheeses aged and colored similarly to Red Leicester, offering the same nutty, creamy depth. While these cheeses might not be widely available, they provide the most authentic substitute when found.
Best for: Traditional British recipes, mac and cheese, and cheese boards.
How to use: Swap Red Leicester for an artisanal Leicester-style cheese in equal portions. If it’s too mild, blend it with a sharper cheese like Aged Cheddar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red Leicester is aged longer than standard Cheddar, giving it a nuttier and slightly more complex flavor. It also contains annatto, which gives it its distinct orange color, while Cheddar typically ranges from pale yellow to deep orange, depending on aging and coloring.
Double Gloucester is one of the best substitutes for Red Leicester in mac and cheese. It has a similarly creamy texture and mild, buttery taste, making it perfect for smooth, rich cheese sauces.
Yes, Colby works well as a substitute for Red Leicester in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a smooth, creamy melt and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of breads and fillings.
No, Mimolette is typically stronger than Red Leicester. While both cheeses share a similar color, Mimolette has a firmer texture and a nuttier, caramelized flavor that intensifies with aging, whereas Red Leicester is milder and creamier.
Red Cheshire is an excellent choice for a cheese board replacement. It has a crumbly yet creamy texture and a slightly tangy, nutty flavor that pairs well with fruits, nuts, and crackers.
